Looking back at 2022, we’ve had a lot of triumphs and a few failures, but overall I think we can all agree it has been a very good year for running shoes especially coming out of how the last few years have gone. Brands have clearly taken this time to start redesigning and rethinking some of their model lineup which is only a benefit to all of us out there. So here are some of our picks for the best road shoes of 2022.
Best Overall Road Running Shoe
ASICS Novablast 3
We could have gone either way on this one as you’ll see from our other everyday option, but truly the ASICS Novablast 3 ticks all the boxes in terms of the best overall road running shoe for 2022. The reason we choose this over some of the other options out there is because of its diverse use. The midsole update provides a solid amount of cushioning while also remaining incredibly upbeat in terms of performance. It is simply a fun shoe to run in, it fits comfortably for a wide variety of feet, and you can really run it at any distance. This can be your marathon day shoe, but it can also be used for a 5K. Our only caveat with it is the outsole and we wish they would have put the AHAR+ on there from the Superblast, but if you are worried about it check out the Novablast 3 Trail which has the exact same upper and midsole just with a bit more grip on the outsole. Full review here.
Best Marathon Racing Shoe
Saucony Endorphin Pro 3
This was an easy one for us this year because the redesign of the shoe was so strong but also because every other brand really wasn’t. Saucony totally rethought the Endorphin Pro with the 3 and every update felt really successful from our perspective. A little wider overall, a well-designed upper that provides structure through the use of underlays, material choices, and a semi-gusseted tongue that holds you in place well. Also, it has a better heel cup and counter than you find on many other race-day shoes. Then we drop into that beautiful PWRRUN PB midsole along with their full carbon plate and their Speedroll technology, it simply couldn’t be a better faster shoe for race day. People might ask why not Nike, Adidas, etc. and the answer is that this shoe feels more accommodating and comfortable while also being able to perform at the same level. It’s a shame it simply doesn’t get the same level of press. Read the full review here.
Best Everyday Road Running Shoe
HOKA Mach 5
This is a tough one because it is a shoe we are passionate about and it could very well have been our best overall, but we thought the Novablast 3 captured cushioning and softness in a bit better way than the Mach 5. That being said, this is an incredible update to the Mach 4 and while staying true to everything we loved about last year’s design, HOKA gave us that plus a little more. This continues to be one of the best shoes in the HOKA road lineup and something that most runners will find incredibly appealing. These are shoes we spend our own money on. Full review here.
Best Stability Road Shoe
Saucony Tempus
Saucony delivered something really unexpected with the Tempus and while it feels just slightly tangential to the Ride 15, it actually runs a lot better with these new elements. This is a stability and support shoe that doesn’t scream stability and support which is why we love it. It performs just as well as the Ride and feels just as good when you’re in the shoe, but during the run you don’t notice any of that extra build up that is supporting your foot so well. It will be interesting to see where this goes in the future given how closely it aligns to the base Ride 15 platform. Read the full review here.
Best Recovery Road Running Shoe
New Balance Fresh Foam More V4
It is time for piles of marshmallowy goodness and that is exactly what you get with the New Balance Fresh Foam More V4. Do not expect this shoe to be a performer, that is not its purpose. It is 100% about providing ample cushioning under those legs and delivering a really stable ride. It does this in spades and while it looks like this has a giant stack, there are much bigger ones out there. This just happens to feel softer and that is exactly what your legs need after a really long day. The layout of the midsole also allows for a more stable ride given the broader coverage. Definitely hoping they stick with this recipe going forward. Full review here.
Most Innovative New Road Running Shoe
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer
Last up we get another shoe from New Balance and while this could have gone to the late launch of the ASICS Superblast, it has to go to the SuperComp Trainer. New Balance was the one to really deliver this marathon distance level training shoe that allowed for recovery and speed at distance that regular runners could use for race day, and elite runners could use for recovery. It has set a trend in motion across every manufacturer, so they get the nod because they are the first to do it. The V2 will be launching this year with a slightly slower stack height, but should still deliver the same great ride. Full write-up here.
Overall Conclusion
Regardless if you agree or disagree with our picks, 2022 has been great for running and there’s probably a shoe out there for you that you can’t get enough of. 2023 is shaping up to be even better, so we hope you’re all excited and we will continue to bring you the same great coverage.
